I’ve already posted about what not to pack – here are some things that I wouldn’t travel without.
1. Organised paperwork
Boring, I know, but I don’t want to be the person fumbling through my bag trying trying to find something which may or may not be there. So I check I’ve got everything I need and organise it in order of when it’s going to be needed, split into outward and return journeys.
2. Comfortable shoes
I’m not as young as I used to be, and my days of suffering for fashion are long over! If I’m going to explore a destination throughly, then my feet are going to be comfortable. If you travel with more than one pair, then wear the ones which will take up the most room rather than put them in your case.
3. A daypack
It could be a small backpack or a big shoulder bag, but I don’t want to be walking around with everything I need stuffed into my pockets – both for security and for comfort.
4, Travel adaptor
I forgot this once, and as a result had to spend the best part of a morning in Brussels trying to find an electrical store that would stock a UK – EU adaptor. I did find one, and explored a part of town that was well off the tourist trail, so it wasn’t all bad, but it wasn’t the most relaxing way to start a holiday.
5. Teabags
Well, I am British, after all! I love European coffee, but at the beginning and end of the day I really like a cuppa.
And one more, which is not something to pack, but essential nonetheless : Travel Insurance
I’ve never had to claim on travel insurance, but I wouldn’t travel without it, especially without some form of health insurance. Being brave doesn’t mean being foolhardy, and who wants to return from holiday with a huge medical bill? As I take several trips a year, annual insurance works out better financially. I don’t automatically renew with the same insurer each year, but shop around for the best deal every time.
